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So You Got a Drone — Now What?
Congratulations on your new drone! Whether it’s a gift or a purchase you’ve been eyeing for a while, you’re about to enter the exciting world of drone flying. Drones are incredibly versatile, offering everything from stunning aerial photography to fun weekend adventures. But before you take off, there are a few key things to learn to ensure safe, legal, and enjoyable flights.
Here’s a guide to help you get started with your drone, covering safety tips, legal requirements, and tips for mastering your new gadget.
Luckily we live in the country so we have plenty of free open space to fly and we own several acres around our house…. I do have to admit our first drone was a really easy to fly children’s drone from wowee. It was so simple that we would fly it in the house, unfortunally I got the bright idea to take it off the easy fly mode shortly after getting used to it and broke our living room light. My youngest hasn’t touched a drone since, but we’ve had a few since. My cousin recently brought his will all the bells and whistles and I loved it. Getting excited when some of the nicer drones were on black Friday sales, I had to get an upgrade. We are waiting for the weather to clear to try it.
1. Know the Rules and Regulations
Drones are fun, but they’re also considered aircraft, which means there are rules to follow.
- Register Your Drone:
If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams), you’ll need to register it with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. Other countries have similar requirements. - Learn About No-Fly Zones:
Apps like B4UFLY or AirMap can help you identify restricted airspace, including near airports, military bases, and national parks. Always check before flying. - Keep Your Drone in Sight:
FAA rules require you to maintain visual line of sight with your drone at all times. I can’t guarantee you will be able to find it after though… We lost one of the first drones while we were recording it. It went up and came right back down onto my mother’s back porch. She is a collector and so it took us about 4 days to find it — even having a video. - Altitude Limits:
Most regulations limit drones to flying under 400 feet to avoid interfering with manned aircraft. - Respect Privacy:
Don’t fly over private property…
